Dogs suffer from epilepsy just as humans do. Canine epilepsy can strike any size or breed of dog. If symptoms present themselves, owners should take their dog to a veterinarian for conclusive testing.
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Primary
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Primary epilepsy, also referred to as idiopathic, genetic, inherited or true epilepsy, occurs when the epilepsy has no known cause.
Secondary
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Secondary epilepsy is diagnosed when the dog's seizures are a result of another condition such as distemper, poisoning or malnutrition.
Onset
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Symptoms show in stages. The first stage can occur hours or even days before a seizure and is marked by a change in your dog's mood and behavior.
Symptoms
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The second stage is the beginning of a seizure and is characterized by restlessness, nervousness, whining, trembling, salivation, affection, wandering, hiding, hysterical running and apprehension. The third stage is the actual seizure and is followed by the fourth stage: confusion, disorientation, restlessness, unresponsiveness and/or wandering aimlessly, and transient blindness.
Diagnosing and Treating
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If your dog experiences a seizure, your veterinarian should run the following tests: complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, fasting blood glucose level, serum glucose level, serum lead level, fecal parasite or ova examination, and others, if necessary. Treatment may include prescription medication.
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